New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu has signed Senate Bill 357 into law, expanding the range of healthcare professionals authorized to certify patients for the state’s medical marijuana program.
The legislation broadens the definition of providers who can recommend therapeutic cannabis to patients. Previously, only physicians and advanced practice registered nurses from New Hampshire and neighboring states, and physician assistants with the consent of a supervising physician, were eligible to certify patients. With the new law, any New Hampshire provider licensed to prescribe drugs to humans, possessing an active registration from the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to prescribe controlled substances, can now certify patients. This change aims to increase accessibility for patients needing therapeutic cannabis.
The bill, which amends RSA 126-X, will take effect 60 days after its passage. It also updates the requirements for minors’ registry identification cards, specifying that one of the two required certifications must come from a pediatric care provider.
Governor Sununu’s signing of SB 357 follows his recent approval of a bill adding anxiety as a qualifying condition for medical marijuana use in the state. House Bill 1278, which seeks to allow medical marijuana for any condition, is awaiting the governor’s decision after passing the legislature.
